Big Luxury Car Theft Ring Busted in New York City
Authorities in New York City have recently dismantled a significant luxury car theft ring that operated as a multi-million dollar operation. The thieves were notably bold in their methods, using a parking garage in the Bronx as a makeshift showroom for the stolen vehicles. This allowed potential buyers to browse the cars before making a purchase.
The operation extended beyond New York City, with thieves stealing high-end vehicles from New Jersey and Connecticut. The stolen cars were then brought to the Bronx parking garage without arousing the owner’s suspicion. Many of the luxury cars were purchased with cash and subsequently loaded into shipping containers, which were then smuggled through customs bound for West Africa, according to CBS News reports.
During the bust, authorities recovered 72 vehicles valued at approximately $6.6 million. Eight men in New York City were charged with crimes related to the thefts. Additionally, eleven suspects, including one minor, were charged in New Jersey the previous week.
The thieves’ method involved breaking into homes to steal key fobs, a trend that has been on the rise over the past three years. This highlights the importance of enhancing home security measures for car owners.
While significant busts like this are crucial, they don’t signal the end of car theft. Therefore, it’s essential for car owners to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to secure their vehicles. Recommended measures include parking in secure facilities, using multiple trackers on vehicles, installing pre-ignition anti-theft devices, and placing cameras near where vehicles are parked at home.
Continued vigilance is necessary to protect against car theft, as numerous thieves remain active in the area.
